Christian Schmidt

Aikido teacher, 4th Dan Aikido

I have been passionate about aikido since 2004 and successfully completed my training as an aikido teacher in 2016. From 2019 to 2021 I ran my own dojo in Berlin-Wedding. Since 2022 I have been training and teaching at the Kranich Dojo Berlin, where I lead a basics class.

My Aikido journey began in 2004 with Dirk Kropp. Over time, I discovered an unexpected depth in Aikido. I was fascinated by its ethics and the respectful interaction between practitioners. Training quickly became an integral part of my everyday life.

After seven years of regular training, I took the next step in 2011 and began training as an aikido teacher with Dirk. The demanding training programme lasted five years. In addition to daily training, I deepened my understanding of aikido by exploring further topics from the fields of philosophy, psychology and spirituality. I also gained practical experience in other forms of bodywork, such as yoga and Feldenkrais. After completing my training, I trained for a month in Tokyo at the Honbu Dojo in the morning class with Moriteru Ueshiba and other teachers. In autumn 2022, I travelled to southern Europe for six months and broadened my horizon of experience in various dojos in France and Spain.

In my training I offer a gentle Aikido that can be practised regardless of age or previous experience. Through a meditative atmosphere, I create a safe environment in which you can work on healthy flexibility and develop your own strengths.

My own dojo is currently closed. However, I am planning to reopen it at a new location. I would like to pass on Aikido as I learnt it from Dirk and let it live on outside Cologne.